Prosthetic Heart Valve for Transfemoral Delivery

ABSTRACT

A prosthetic heart valve capable of being delivered via a transfemoral route a described.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Application 60/978,794, filed Oct. 10, 2007, entitled, “Prosthetic heart valve specially adapted for transfemoral delivery,” which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to prosthetic heart valves, and specifically to prosthetic heart values configured for transfemoral delivery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aortic valve replacement in patients with severe valve disease is common surgical procedure. The replacement is conventionally performed by open heart surgery, in which the heart is usually arrested and the patient is placed on a heart bypass machine. In recent years, prosthetic heart valves have been developed which are implanted using minimally invasive procedures such as transapical or percutaneous approaches. These methods involve compressing the prosthesis radially to reduce its diameter, inserting the prosthesis into a delivery tool, such as a catheter, and advancing the delivery tool to the correct anatomical position in the heart. Once properly positioned, the prosthesis is deployed by radial expansion within the native valve annulus.

PCT Publication WO 05/002465 to Schwammenthal et al., which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference, describes prosthetic devices for treating aortic stenosis.

PCT Publication WO 06/070372 to Schwammenthal al., which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference, describes a prosthetic device having a single flow field therethrough, adapted for implantation in a subject, and shaped so as to define a fluid inlet and a diverging section, distal to the fluid inlet.

US Patent Application Publication 2006/0149360 to Schwammenthal et al., which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is incorporated herein by reference, describes a prosthetic device including valve-orifice attachment member attachable to a valve in a blood vessel and including fluid inlet, and a diverging member that extends from the fluid inlet, the diverging member including a proximal end near the fluid inlet and a distal end distanced from the proximal end to distal portion of the diverging member has a larger cross-sectional area for fluid flow therethrough than a proximal portion thereof.

US Patent Application Publication 2004/0236411 to Sarac et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a prosthetic valve for replacing a cardiac valve, which includes an expandable support member and at least two valve leaflets made of a first layer of biological material selected from peritoneal tissue, pleural tissue or pericardial tissue. A second layer of biological material is attached to the support member. The second layer is also made from peritoneal tissue, pleural tissue or pericardial tissue. The second layer includes a radially inwardly facing surface that defines a conduit for directing blood flow. The valve leaflets extend across the conduit to permit unidirectional flow of blood through the conduit. Methods for making and implanting the prosthetic valve are also described.

US Patent Application Publication 2006/0259136 to Nguyen et al,, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a heart valve prosthesis having a self-expanding multi-level frame that supports a valve body comprising a skirt and plurality of coapting leaflets. The frame transitions between a contracted delivery configuration that enables percutaneous transluminal delivery, and an expanded deployed configuration having an asymmetric hourglass shape. The valve body skirt and leaflets are constructed so that the center of coaptation may be selected to reduce horizontal forces applied to the commissures of the valve, and to efficiently distribute and transmit forces along the leaflets and to the frame. Alternatively, the valve body may be used as a surgically implantable replacement valve prosthesis.

The following patents and patent application publications, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, may be of interest:

US Patent Application Publication 2005/0197695 to Stacchino et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,465 to Griffin et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,908,451 to Yeo

U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,442 to Deac

U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,330 to Hanson

US Patent Application Publication 2004/0260389 to Case et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,730,118 to Spencer et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,018,406 to Sequin et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,018,408 to Bailey et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,455,153 and US Patent Application Publication 2003/0023300 to Bailey et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2004/0186563 to Lobbi

US Patent Application Publication 2003/0130729 to Paniagua et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2004/0236411 to Sarac et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2005/0075720 to Nguyen et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2006/0058872 Salahieh et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2005/0137688 to Salahieh at al.

US Patent Application Publication 2005/0137690 to Salahieh at al.

US Patent Application Publication 2005/0137691 to Salahieh et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2005/0143809 to Salahieh et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2005/0182483 to Osborne et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2005/0137695 to Salahieh et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2005/0240200 to Bergheim

US Patent Application Publication 2006/0025857 to Bergheim et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2006/0025855 to Lashinski et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2006/0047338 to Jenson et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2006/0052867 to Revuelta et al.

US Patent Application Publication 2006/0074485 to Realyvasquez

US Patent Application Publication 2003/0149478 to Figulla et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,184 to Schreck

U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,662 to Caffey

U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,418 to Carpentier et al.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,686 to DiMatteo et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments of present invention, a prosthetic heart valve prosthesis comprises a collapsible support frame and a prosthetic valve. The support frame is shaped so as to define three commissural posts to which the prosthetic valve is coupled, an upstream skirt, and a plurality of downstream axial support extensions, commissural posts are arranged circumferentially around a central longitudinal axis of the valve prosthesis, and extend in a downstream direction at a first angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis. The upstream skirt includes a plurality cells that extend outward in an upstream direction. The skirt is configured to apply an axial force in a downstream direction on an upstream side of the native annulus and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT).

The downstream axial support extensions join a downstream side of the skirt, and extend in a downstream direction at a second angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis, which second angle is greater than the first angle between the commissural posts and axis. Because of this greater angle, the downstream axial support extensions (a) apply an upstream axial force to a downstream side the native leaflet tips, (b) do not touch the leaflets of the prosthetic valve when the prosthetic valve is in its open position, (c) provides stability to the support frame.

In some embodiment of the present invention, the support frame is shaped so as to define a plurality of upper sinus support elements, which extend in a downstream direction. The upper sinus support elements are configured to rest against the upper aortic sinuses (i.e., the downstream portion of the aortic sinuses) upon implantation of the valve prosthesis, so as to provide support against tilting of the prosthesis with respect to the central longitudinal axis thereof. For some applications, the support frame is shaped so as to define exactly three downstream axial support extensions and exactly six upper sinus support elements.

In some embodiments of the present invention, a prosthetic heart valve prosthesis is provided that is similar to the prosthesis described above, except as follows. A portion of cells of the support frame of the prosthesis are shaped to define a plurality of outwardly-extending short axial support arms, which extend radially outward and upstream from the central longitudinal axis of the prosthesis. The shape of the support frame allows the valve prosthesis to be implanted such that an upstream section of the prosthesis is positioned upstream to the native annulus of the patient, while the axial support arms are protrude over the tips of the native leaflets, and collectively define an outer diameter that is greater than the diameter of the tips of the native leaflets. The axial support arms are distributed around the circumference of the frame such that, depending on the rotational orientation of the valve prosthesis, the arms engage and rest against either a native valve commissure (riding astride the commissure) or a leaflet tip, such that the valve prosthesis is anchored axially regardless of the rotational orientation of the prosthesis. The axial support arms are sized so as to not extend to the floors of the aortic sinuses. This configuration applies an axial force to the native valve complex from below and above the complex, anchoring the valve prosthesis in place, and inhibiting migration of the prosthetic valve both upstream and downstream. This configuration also allows the valve prosthesis to apply outward radial force to the native valve.

There is therefore provided, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, apparatus including a valve prosthesis for attachment to a native valve complex of a subject, the prosthesis including:

a prosthetic heart valve; and

a support frame, which is shaped so as to define:

-   -   two or more commissural posts, to which the prosthetic heart         valve is coupled, which posts are arranged circumferentially         around a central longitudinal axis of the valve prosthesis, and         extend in a downstream direction at a first angle with respect         to the central longitudinal axis,     -   a bulging upstream skirt, and     -   a plurality of downstream axial support extensions, which join a         downstream side of the upstream skirt, which extend in a         downstream direction at a second angle with respect to the         central longitudinal axis, the second angle greater than the         first angle, and which are configured to apply an axial force to         a downstream side of native leaflet tips of the native valve         complex.

In an embodiment, the support frame is shaped so as to define a plurality of upper sinus support elements, which extend in a downstream direction, and which are configured to rest against native upper aortic sinuses.

The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of a valve prosthesis, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a delivery system for delivering the valve prosthesis of FIG. 1 to a target site and implanting the prosthesis at the site, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a front end of a catheter of the delivery system of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-L schematically illustrate a procedure for implanting the valve prosthesis of FIG. 1 using the delivery system of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A-C axe schematic illustrations of three different possible rotational orientations of the valve prosthesis of FIG. 1 with respect to the native valve upon deployment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A-D are schematic illustration of another valve prosthesis, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A-D schematically illustrate a portion of a procedure for implanting the valve prosthesis of FIGS. 6A-C using the delivery system of FIG. 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A-C show the valve prosthesis of FIGS. 6A-D in place within the native aortic valve of the patient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a catheter tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a shaped balloon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of a valve prosthesis 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B shows the prosthesis including a prosthetic valve 21 and a skirt 31, as described below, while FIG. 1A shows the prosthesis without these elements for clarity of illustration. Valve prosthesis 30 comprises a collapsible support frame 40, which typically comprises exactly three commissural posts 34, arranged circumferentially around a central longitudinal axis 16 of valve prosthesis 30. Valve prosthesis 30 further comprises prosthetic downstream valve 2 coupled to commissural posts 34. Valve 21 typically comprises a pliant material. The pliant material is configured to collapse inwardly (i.e., towards central longitudinal axis 16) during diastole, in order to inhibit retrograde blood flow, and to open outwardly during systole, to allow blood flow through the prosthesis.

Valve prosthesis 30 is configured to be implanted in a native diseased valve of a patient, such as a native stenotic aortic or pulmonary valve, using a minimally-invasive approach, such as a beating heart endovascular retrograde transacrtic, e.g. transfemoral, procedure. Support frame 40 is typically collapsed or crimped so that its diameter is reduced in order to facilitate loading onto a catheter or cannula for delivery to the native valve site during a minimally-invasive delivery procedure, as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4A-L. Support frame 40 is configured such that application of radial forces thereon radially compress the frame, reducing the frame's outer diameter. Upon removal of the radial forces, the frame assumes its earlier diameter and shape. The prosthesis, while the frame is in its compressed state, is loaded into a tube sufficiently small to allow transluminal delivery to the patient's native valve site. Support frame 40 comprises a suitable material that allows mechanical deformations associated with crimping and expansion of valve prosthesis 30, such as, but not limited to a superelastic material, such as nitinol, or a stainless steel alloy (e.g., AISI 316).

Support frame 40 is typically shaped to define an upstream section 22, a throat section 24, and a downstream section 26. The cross-sectional area of upstream section 22 gradually decreases from an upstream end thereof to a downstream end adjacent to throat section 24. The diameter of throat section 24 is typically larger than that of the aortic annulus of the intended patient. The cross-sectional area of downstream section 26 gradually increases to an area greater than that of throat section 24. Thus the cross-sectional areas of both the upstream and downstream sections are greater than that of the throat section. Throat section 24 is configured to be placed within the leaflet section of the native valve, slightly above the aortic annulus at the ventriculo-aortic border, such that downstream section 22 is located in the aorta, such as in the aortic sinuses.

Typically, support frame is elastic, and is shaped so as to define a plurality of collapsible cells. For example, the support frame may be fabricated by cutting a solid tube. The cells may be diamond-shaped, parallelogram-shaped, or otherwise shaped to be conducive to crimping the frame. Downstream section 26 is typically shaped so as to define bulging upstream skirt 31, which is configured to apply an axial force directed toward the ascending aorta. Optionally, skirt 31 is shaped so as to define one or more barbs 32 positioned circumferentially such that the barbs pierce the native vale annulus in order to provide better anchoring. Typically, valve prosthesis 30 further comprises a skirt covering 35 which is coupled to upstream skirt 31, such by sewing the covering within the skirt (configuration shown in FIG. 1B) or around the skirt (configuration not shown). Skirt covering 35 may comprise, for example, polyester or a processed biological material, such as pericardium. Support frame 40 thus defines a central structured body for flow passage that terminates in an upstream direction in a flared inlet (upstream skirt 31) that is configured to be seated within an LVOT immediately below an aortic annulus/aortic valve.

Typically, a portion of the cells of support frame are shaped to define a plurality of outwardly-extending short axial support arms 33, which extend radially outward and upstream from central longitudinal axis 16. Axial support arms 33 are distributed around the circumference of the frame at a predetermined height from the upstream end of the frame, and may be either evenly (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) or unevenly distributed (not shown in the figures) around the circumference. Support frame 40 typically is shaped to define at least three axial support arms 33, such as greater than three arms. For some applications, the number of support arms is a multiple of three, such as six (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B).

The shape of support frame 40 allows valve prosthesis 30 to be planted such that upstream section positioned upstream to the native annulus of the patient, while axial support arms 33 protrude over the tips of the native leaflets, and collectively define an outer diameter D that is greater than the diameter of the tips of the native leaflets. Axial support arms 33 flare out latera in an upstream direction during deployment at an angle β with central longitudinal axis 16 valve prosthesis 30. Axial support arms 33 are radially distribute around the frame such that, depending on the rotational orientation of valve prosthesis 30, the axial support arms engage and rest either a native valve commissure (riding astride the commissure) or a leaflet such that the valve prosthesis is anchored axially regardless of the rotational orientation of the prosthesis, as described in more detail hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 5A-C. Axial support arms 33 are sized so as to not extend to the floors of the aortic sinuses. This configuration applies an axial force to the native valve complex from below and above the complex, anchoring valve prosthesis 30 place, and inhibiting mi ration of the prosthetic valve both upstream and downstream. This configuration also allows the valve prosthesis to apply outward radial force to the native valve.

Although exactly three commissural posts 34 shown an the figures, for some applications valve prosthesis 30 comprises fewer or more posts 34, such as two posts 34, or four or more posts 34. It is noted that approximately 90% of humans have exactly three aortic sinuses. The three posts provided in most embodiments correspond to these three aortic sinuses. For implantation in the approximately 10% of patients that have exactly two aortic sinuses, prosthesis typically includes exactly two posts.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a delivery system 50 for delivering valve prosthesis 30 to a target site and implanting the prosthesis at the site, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Delivery system 50 comprises a catheter 100, which comprises an inner neutral tube 103 which is concentric with an outer tube 101. The diameter of outer tube 101 typically varies along catheter 100. Neutral tube 103 is fixed with respect to neutral tube holder 51 and a handle 52. A tip 102 of catheter 100 is located at a downstream end of neutral tube 103, such that outer tube 101 abuts against tip 102 when catheter 100 is in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 2. Delivery system 50 is used to effect the release of valve prosthesis 30 (the prosthesis is not shown in FIG. 2) by moving the tubes 101 and 103 with respect to one another. Delivery system further comprises an outer tube holder 51 and a delivery body 53, which can move with respect to neutral tube holder 51 and handle 52. To open the catheter, outer tube holder 51 is pulled backwards, while handle 52 and neutral tube holder 51 are held stationary. As a result, outer tube 101 moves in a backward direction with respect to neutral tube 103, and the catheter opens. The downstream end of outer tube 101 is fixed to the upstream end of tip 102.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of a front end of catheter 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Valve prosthesis 30 is shown within the catheter in the prosthesis's compressed state, held in a valve holder 104 and compressed between neutral tube 103 and outer tube 101. The catheter is in its closed state, such that the downstream end of outer tube 101 rests against the upstream end of tip 102.

FIGS. 4A-L schematically illustrate a procedure for implanting valve prosthesis 30 using delivery system 50, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Although these figures show the implantation of the prosthesis in an aortic position, these techniques, as appropriately modified, may also be used to implant the prosthesis in other locations, such as in a pulmonary valve.

As shown in FIG. 4A, delivery catheter 100 is inserted into a body lumen 15. For seine applications, body lumen 15 is a femoral artery. The catheter is inserted into body lumen 15, and is guided over a guidewire 200 through the ascending aorta and over an aortic arch 10. Optionally, stenotic aortic valve 310 is partially dilated to about 15-20 mm (e.g., about 16 mm), typically using standard valvuloplasty balloon catheter.

As shown in FIG. 4B, catheter 100, which rides over guidewire 200, is passed over aortic arch 10 towards a native aortic valve 202. The tip of guidewire 200 passes into a left ventricle 11.

As shown in FIG. 4C, catheter tip 102 is advanced toward the junction of native aortic valve leaflets 12 towards left ventricle 11, while the catheter continues to ride over the guidewire.

As shown in FIG. 4D, catheter tip 102 is brought past native aortic valve leaflets 12 into left ventricle 11. Outer tube 101 of catheter 100 is located between native aortic leaflets 12.

As shown in FIG. 4E, catheter tip 102 is further advanced, past aortic leaflets 12 and deeper into left ventricle 11. Outer tube 101 of catheter 100 is still located between native aortic leaflets 12.

As shown in FIG. 4F, outer tube 101 is withdrawn a Predetermined distance to expose upstream skirt 32 of valve prosthesis 30. Outer tube 101 moves with respect to inner tube 103, such that valve prosthesis 30 and inner tube 103 are partially exposed from the catheter. Skirt 31 is positioned within left ventricle 11. At this point during the implantation procedure, skirt 31 may not yet have come in contact with the ventricular side of native aortic leaflets 12.

As shown in FIG. 4G, catheter 100 is withdrawn until skirt 31 abuts firmly against the ventricular side of the aortic annulus and/or aortic valve leaflets 12. If provided, barbs 32 may pierce the native annulus, or may rest against the ventricular side of the valve complex.

As shown in FIG. 4H, outer tube 101 is further withdrawn until the tube is located just upstream of the ends of commissural posts 34 of valve prosthesis 30, such that the commissural posts are still held firmly by cuter tube 101.

FIG. 4I shows valve prosthesis 30 immediately upon release from outer tube 101. Support frame 40, which is typically superelastic, rapidly expands to its fully opened position, pushing native valve leaflets 12 radially outward.

FIG. 4J shows the opening of valve prosthesis 30 to its fully expanded shape. Axial support arms 33 protrude over the tips of the native leaflets 12, so that they provide axial support to prosthetic valve 30, and prevent the valve from being forced into the ventricle 11 through native leaflets 12 during the cardiac cycle. Prosthetic valve 30 is thus released with the outer tube being moved in only one direction during the entire procedure, which facilitates the implantation procedure significantly.

FIG. 4K shows catheter 100 in its closed position, with cuter tube 101 resting firmly against catheter tip 102. Catheter 100 is withdrawn over the aortic arch, still riding on guidewire 200.

FIG. 4L is a schematic illustration of prosthetic valve 30 in the aortic position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Skirt 31 is positioned within ventricle 11 such that the throat section. 24 of support frame 40 is located in close proximity to the native annulus between native leaflets 12. Commissural posts 34 of valve prosthesis 30 generally define a diverging shape, and are located on the arterial side of the native valve. Native valve leaflets 12 generally follow the contour of valve prosthesis 30. Axial support arms 33 protrude over the tips of the native leaflets, and provide axial support to prevent device embolism into ventricle 11. It is noted that in the configuration shown, valve prosthesis 30 does not include barbs 32, described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. 5A-C are schematic illustrations of three different possible rotational orientations of valve prosthesis 30 with respect to the native valve upon deployment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. All of these rotational orientations, as well as intermediate rotational orientations not shown, provide proper axial fixation of the valve prosthesis. For clarity of illustration, in FIGS. 5A-C only support frame 40 of the valve prosthesis is shown, without prosthetic downstream valve 21 or skirt covering 35 of skirt 31. The valve prosthesis is deployed within the aortic root, which includes aortic sinuses, coronary ostia 14, and native valve commissures 15. Upon implantation, valve prosthesis 30 provides axial anchoring on both sides (ventricular and arterial) of the native valve annulus. Skirt 31 extends radially below the annulus, providing an axial force applied in the arterial direction to the underside of the annulus, while axial support arms 33 exert an axial force in the ventricular direction by resting against the tips of native leaflets 12 or native commissures 13.

FIG. 5A shows a first possible rotational orientation of valve prosthesis 30, in which commissural posts 34 of the prosthesis are aligned with native commissures 15, allowing axial support arms 33 to rest against the tips of native leaflets 12.

FIG. 5B shows another possible rotational orientation of prosthetic valve 30 within the native valve complex, in which commissural posts 34 of the prosthesis are positioned at a rotational offset of about 60 degrees with respect to native commissures 15, with axial support arms 33 extending over the tips of native leaflets 12. As can be seen in FIG. 5B, axial support arms 33 provide axial anchoring, regardless of the rotational orientation of the prosthesis with respect to the native valve. As can be seen, axial support arms 33, which are circumferentially distributed around prosthetic valve 30, obviate tine need to rotationally align prosthetic valve 30 with any anatomical feature of the native valve complex, since axial support arms 33 are generally guaranteed to be located between native commissures 15, or riding astride the native commissures

FIG. 5C shows yet another possible rotational orientation of prosthetic valve 30 within the native valve complex upon deployment, in which commissural posts 34 of the prosthesis are offset with respect to native valve commissures 15 by about 30 degrees. Even in this particular rotationally asymmetric position, axial support arms 33 engage the tips of native leaflets 12, or native valve commissures 15, effectively applying a downward axial force to the native structure, obviating the need for deliberate rotational positioning prosthetic valve 30 during the implantation process.

For some applications, prosthesis 30 is implanted using some of the techniques described with reference to FIGS. 9A-G in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/050,628, filed Mar. 18, 2008, entitled, “Valve suturing and implantation procedures,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-D, which are schematic illustration of a valve prosthesis 130, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A shows the prosthesis including a prosthetic downstream valve 118 and a skirt covering 135 of a skirt 131, while FIGS. 6B, 6C, and 6D, for clarity of illustration, shows only a support frame 140 of the valve prosthesis, without prosthetic downstream valve 118 or skirt covering 135 of skirt 131. FIGS. 6A-C are side views, while FIG. 6D is a top view of the valve prosthesis (viewed from the downstream side). Skirt covering 135 may comprise, for example, polyester or a processed biological material, such as pericardium.

Other than as described heteinbelow, valve prosthesis 130 is generally similar to valve prosthesis 30, described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1, 4A-L, and 5A-C. For example, as described hereinabove with respect to valve prosthesis 30, valve prosthesis 130 comprises support frame 140, which is shaped so as to define three commissural posts 134 to which prosthetic valve 118 is coupled, and upstream skirt 131. The commissural posts are arranged circumferentially around a central longitudinal axis 116 of the valve prosthesis. The upstream skirt includes a plurality of cells 137 that extend outward in an upstream direction. The skirt is configured to apply an axial force in a downstream direction on an upstream side of the native annulus and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). Unlike valve prosthesis 30, valve prosthesis 130 typically does not comprise short axial support arms 33.

Support frame 140 is shaped so as to define a plurality of downstream axial support extensions 128. The downstream axial support extensions join a downstream side of upstream skirt 131, and extend in a downstream direction at an angle ø with respect to central longitudinal axis 116 of valve prosthesis 130, while commissural posts 131 extend in a downstream direction at an angle α with respect to axis 116 (the angles are shown in FIG. 6A). Angle n is greater than angle α. Because of this greater angle, downstream axial support extensions 128: (a) apply an upstream axial force to a downstream side of the native leaflet tips, (b) do not touch the leaflets of the prosthetic valve when the prosthetic valve is in its open position, and (c) provide stability to support frame 140. Angle ø may, for example, be between about 15 and about 45 degrees, such as about 30 degrees, while angle α may, for example, be between about 1 and about 15 degrees, such as about 8 degrees.

For some applications, an upstream-most portion of each downstream axial support extension 128 joins the downstream site of upstream skirt 131, and two lateral portions of each extension join respective cells of the frame that extend in an upstream direction from respective commissural posts 134.

In an embodiment of the present invention, support frame 140 is shaped so as to define a plurality of upper sinus support elements 136, which extend in a downstream direction. Upper sinus support elements 136 are configured to rest against the upper aortic sinuses (i.e., the downstream portion of aortic sinuses 13) upon implantation of valve prosthesis 130, so as to provide support against tilting of the prosthesis with respect to central longitudinal axis 16 thereof. Typically, the downstream-most portions of upper sinus support elements 136 are bent toward central longitudinal axis 16 of the prosthesis to avoid damage to the walls of the upper sinuses. For some applications, support frame 140 is shaped so as to define exactly three downstream axial support extensions 128 and exactly six upper sinus support elements 136.

For some applications, as seen clearly in FIG. 6C, each upper sinus support element 136 has two upstream-most portions 142 and 144. Upstream-most portion 142 joins a downstream-most portion 146 of one of downstream axial support extensions 128, and upstream-most portion 144 joins one of commissural posts 134. For some applications, as shown in FIG. 6C, upstream-most portions 142 of two of upper sinus support elements 136 join a single downstream-most portion 145 of one of downstream axial support extensions 128, such that two of upper sinus support elements 136 are circumferentially positioned between each pair or two of commissural posts 134.

FIGS. 7A-D schematically illustrate a portion of a procedure for implanting valve prosthesis 130, configured as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 6A-D, using delivery system 50, accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first steps of the procedure are performed as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 4A-G, until skirt 131 abuts firmly against the ventricular side of the aortic annulus and/or aortic valve leaflets 12. After these steps, outer tube 101 is further withdrawn until the tube is located just upstream of the ends of commissural posts 134 of valve prosthesis 130, as shown in FIG. 7B. The commissural posts are still held firmly by outer tube 101.

The physician performing the procedure withdraws the delivery system until he or she feels significant. resistance as skirt 131 comes in contact with the upstream side of the native annulus and/or the LVOT, as shown in FIG. 7C.

As shown in FIG. 7D, support frame 140 gently further deployed further until bulges 120 defined by downstream axial support extensions 128 on the side of the prosthesis snap above the native leaflets, providing tactile feedback that the correct anatomical location has been reached. The prosthesis is now completely released from outer tube 101.

FIGS. 8A-C show valve prosthesis 130 in place within the native aortic valve of the patient, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 8A and 8C are side views, and FIG. 8B is a too view of the valve prosthesis (viewed from the downstream side). Commissural posts 134 and downstream axial support extensions 128 may or may not touch the walls of the sinuses. Typically, the downstream-most portions of upper sinus support elements 136 are bent toward central longitudinal axis 16 of the prosthesis to avoid damage to the walls of the upper sinuses.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a catheter tube 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Catheter tube 260 comprises feelers 261 which align themselves with the sinuses, thereby guiding the delivery catheter in both radial and axial directions. Feelers 261 are initially located within an outer tube 244, and extend out through slits 262 defined by the outer tube. Slits 262 may be arrange circumferentially around the catheter tube. Feelers 261 may be extended and retracted by the physician, so that the feelers are in a retracted position while the catheter is advanced through the vasculature, and are extended before the delicate placement stage of the implantation procedure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a shaped balloon 271. In accordance with an embodiment or the present invention. The balloon is used to plastically deform support structure 40 of valve prosthesis 30 or 130, and to give the structure a non-cylindrical shape. In this embodiment, support structure 40 or 140 may comprise a stainless steel alloy which is plastically deformed during crimping, thereby reducing the valve diameter, and mounted onto the balloon prior to implantation. When the delivery catheter is in place in the patient, shaped balloon 271 is used to open the crimped prosthesis into place, and to give it a non-cylindrical shape.

In the present patent application, including in the claims, the word “downstream” means near or toward the direction in which the blood flow is moving, and “upstream” means the opposite direction. For embodiments in which the valve prosthesis is implanted at the aortic valve, the aorta is downstream and the ventricle is upstream. As used in the present patent application, including in the claims, the “native valve complex” includes the native semilunar valve leaflets, the annulus of the valve, the subvalvular tissue on the ventricular side, and the lower half of the semilunar sinuses. As used in the present application, including in the claims, a “native semilunar valve” is to be understood as including: (a) native semilunar valves that include their native leaflets, and (b) native semilunar valves, the native leaflets of which have been surgically excised or are otherwise absent.

For some applications, techniques described herein are performed in combination with techniques described in a US provisional patent application filed on even date herewith, entitled, “Prosthetic heart valve having identifiers for aiding in radiographic positioning,” which is assigned to the assignee of the present. application and is incorporated herein by reference.

The scope of the present invention includes embodiments described in the following applications, which are assigned to the assignee of the present application and are incorporated herein by reference. In an embodiment, techniques and apparatus described in one or more of the following applications are combined with techniques and apparatus described herein:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/024,905, filed Dec. 30,         2004, entitled, “Fluid flow prosthetic device,” which issued as         U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,772;     -   International Patent Application PCT/IL2005/001399, filed Dec.         29, 2005, entitled, “Fluid flow prosthetic: device,” which         published as POT Publication WO 06/070372;     -   International Patent Application PCT/IL2004/000601, filed Jul.         6, 2004, entitled, “Implantable prosthetic devices particularly         for transarterial delivery in the treatment of aortic stenosis,         and methods of implanting such devices,” which published as POT         Publication WO 05/002466, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.         10/563,384, filed Apr. 20, 2006, in the national stage thereof,         which published as US Patent Application Publication         2006/0259134;     -   U.S. Provisional Application 60/845,728, filed Sep. 19, 2006,         entitled, “Fixation member for valve”;     -   U.S. Provisional Application 60/852,435, filed Oct. 16, 2006,         entitled, “Transapical delivery system with ventriculo-arterial         overflow bypass”;     -   U.S. application Ser. No. 11/728,253, filed Mar. 23, 2007,         entitled, “Valve prosthesis fixation techniques using         sandwiching”;     -   International Patent Application PCT/IL 2007/001237, filed Oct.         16, 2007, entitled, “Transapical delivery system with         ventriculo-arterial overflow bypass,” which published as PCT         Publication WO 2008/04754; and/or     -   U.S. application Ser. No. 12/050,628, filed Mar. 18, 2008,         entitled, “Valve suturing and implantation procedures.”

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove, as well a variations and modifications thereof that are non in the prior art, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. 

1-2. (canceled)
 3. A method comprising: radially collapsing a valve prosthesis including a radially collapsible and expandable support frame and a prosthetic heart valve including a plurality of prosthetic leaflets coupled to a portion of the support frame between concentric inner and outer tubes of a catheter, the catheter further including a tip located at a downstream end of the inner tube; transluminally delivering the valve prosthesis to a vicinity of a native valve while the support frame is radially collapsed within the catheter and the catheter is in a closed position such that the outer tube abuts against the tip of the catheter; positioning the catheter tip past the native valve; withdrawing the outer tube to expand an upstream section of the support frame such that the upstream section extends outward in an upstream direction with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the valve prosthesis, wherein the radially expanded upstream section of the support frame is positioned upstream of an annulus of the native valve to apply a downstream axial force on an upstream side of the native valve; further withdrawing the outer tube to expose a downstream section of the support frame thereby releasing the valve prosthesis from the catheter, wherein the support frame fully expands to push leaflets of the native valve radially outward.
 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the valve prosthesis further includes a covering material applied to the upstream section.
 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the covering material comprises pericardium.
 6. The method according to claim 3, wherein positioning the valve prosthesis does not comprise rotationally aligning the valve prosthesis with respect to the native valve.
 7. The method according to claim 3, wherein the support frame further includes two or more commissural posts, wherein adjacent prosthetic leaflets of the plurality of prosthetic leaflets of the prosthetic heart valve are attached to each commissural post such that two prosthetic leaflets of the plurality of prosthetic leaflets are attached to each commissural post, wherein the commissural posts are arranged circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis of the valve prosthesis, and wherein each of the commissural posts extends in a downstream direction with respect to the central longitudinal axis.
 8. The method according to claim 3, wherein the support frame is shaped so as to further define a plurality of axial support arches, which extend in an upstream and radially outward direction with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the valve prosthesis, and are configured to apply, regardless of a rotational orientation of the support frame with respect to the native valve, an upstream axial force to a downstream side of one or more native valve structures.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the axial support arches extend radially outward in a direction orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the valve prosthesis.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the axial support arches extend in the upstream and radially outward direction at an angle of between 110 and 30 degrees with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the valve prosthesis.
 11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the one or more native valve structures are selected from the group consisting of native valve leaflet tips and native valve commissures.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein positioning the valve prosthesis comprises positioning the valve prosthesis such that the axial support arches protrude radially outward over tips of the native valve leaflets.
 13. The method according to claim 10, wherein positioning the valve prosthesis comprises positioning the valve prosthesis such that the axial support arches do not extend to floors of aortic sinuses of the native valve.
 14. The method according to claim 8, wherein positioning the valve prosthesis comprises positioning the valve prosthesis such that the upstream and downstream axial forces together anchor the valve prosthesis to the native valve.
 15. The method according to claim 3, wherein the support frame is shaped so as to further define a plurality of commissural posts and a plurality of axial support arches, and wherein at least one end of each of the axial support arches is coupled to one of the commissural posts.
 16. The method according to claim 3, wherein the support frame is shaped so as to further define a throat section longitudinally between the upstream section and the downstream section, wherein a cross-sectional area of the valve prosthesis gradually decreases from the upstream section to the throat section, and gradually increases from the throat section to the downstream section, and wherein a cross-sectional area of the throat section is less than a cross-sectional area of an annulus of the native valve, and wherein further withdrawing the outer tube to release the valve prosthesis from the catheter comprises the upstream section of the support frame being located upstream of the annulus of the native valve and the throat section being located in close proximity to the native annulus between the leaflets of the native valve.
 17. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: after withdrawing the outer tube to expand the upstream section of the support frame, withdrawing the catheter such that the radially expanded upstream section of the support frame abuts against the upstream side of the annulus of the native valve and/or against the upstream side of the leaflets of the native valve.
 18. The method according to claim 3, wherein the upstream section of the support frame further includes barbs, wherein withdrawing the outer tube to expand the upstream section of the support frame further includes piercing the native annulus with the barbs or the barbs resting against the upstream side of the native valve.
 19. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: after further withdrawing the outer tube to release the valve prosthesis from the catheter, advancing the outer tube to return the catheter to the closed position, and withdrawing the catheter from the vicinity of the native.
 20. The method according to claim 3, wherein the support frame further includes commissural posts to which the prosthetic valve leaflets are attached, further comprising aligning the commissural posts with native commissures of the native valve.
 21. The method according to claim 3, wherein the support frame further includes commissural posts to which the prosthetic valve leaflets are attached, further comprising aligning the commissural posts at a rotation offset of about 60 degrees with respect to native commissures of the native valve
 22. The method according to claim 3, wherein the support frame further includes commissural posts to which the prosthetic valve leaflets are attached, further comprising aligning the commissural posts at a rotation offset of about 30 degrees with respect to native commissures of the native valve. 